Batman: Gothic Deluxe Edition (Graphic Novel Review)

Batman: Gothic Deluxe Edition collects five issues of Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight from #6 until #10 written by Grant Morrison, illustrated by Klaus Janson and coloured by Steve Buccellato. The art of book is very late 80s, considering it was written around that time. Not my cup of tea when converted into deluxe format, however certain full page splashes do look amazing.

Nevertheless, Morrison as usual delivers a compelling story. The main villain is Mr Whisper. A different kind of antagonist from what we usually see in Batman's enemies. He's supernatural and does not have a shadow! I am not sure whether the Legends of the Dark Knight series ties to the main Batman story or is an Elseworld kind of series told separately. But it does seem to focus on more darker elements.

The first couple of chapters are very cryptic, up to a level that it gives the readers goosebumps. The story then unfolds nicely in the remaining segments as more information were slowly revealed directing it closer to the Batman story we know. It made the effort to connect back to Batman's earlier years as a young Bruce Wayne which is an area some writers like to explore in telling Batman stories.

I first felt that this is more straightforward story from Morrison, however a little script at the back of the deluxe edition seems to suggest otherwise. It pointed out certain things that made me understand the story better, and made me want to experience it a second time, the same takeaway I always get from a Grant Morrison book. Other than that, the bonus content also includes various sketches from Klaus Janson. Something I would show off from my bookshelf. A great addition to my collection.